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This, they say, is due to a combination of genetic and cultural factors, including extra masculine muscle - which helps speed up the metabolism - and not having tried and failed to lose weight by following fad diets in the past.

'Women more typically want a deeper
level of emotional support to uncover their issues around food and to
help them take back control'

'It’s down to a combination of things
including our emotions, genetics, upbringing, culture and the
environment we live in,'explainedDr Jacquie Lavin, Slimming World's head of nutrition and research.

She continued: 'Research suggests that men's brains are more solutions-based and they often tell us that they have fewer commitments at home, so once they find out how our eating plan works they tend to just get on and do it.

'They're more focused, get off to a better start and are less likely to be distracted or taken off track by life events.

Weighty problem (for women): Male muscles and focus both help them shift the pounds faster than women

Avoiding temptation: Men are more focused about sticking to a diet plan

'Women more typically want a deeper level of emotional support to uncover their issues around food and to help them take back control over their choices in what can be a difficult and persuasive food environment, and they're more likely to tell us that stressful or emotional events in their life sabotage their slimming.

She added: 'It's important not to categorise men
and women too rigidly, though. Every individual – man or woman – is
different.'

Obesity is
becoming an increasingly troublesome issue, with NHS statistics
suggesting that 'most people in the UK are overweight or obese'.

This includes 61.3 per cent of adults and 30 per cent of children, with an annual cost to the tax payer of a hefty £5bn a year.

'Both men and women
want a practical solution to slimming that fits into their lifestyle,
one that is accessible and realistic,' added Dr Lavin.

'For some, losing weight comes easily simply by following our
healthy eating plan and building friendship and camaraderie with their
fellow members.

'Others want a deeper level of emotional support from
their slimming group, especially when they have grown up with or
developed a complex relationship with food.

'For
us, the key is to provide a flexible approach that works for both men
and women.'